Why it matters:
This incident occurring on the third anniversary of Russia’s war on Ukraine and coinciding with high-stakes diplomatic meetings in Washington, the explosion raises alarm bells about security lapses and the potential for further destabilizing actions in the region.
The big picture:
With tensions simmering from the ongoing Ukraine conflict, this event is not an isolated incident, it reflects the fragile state of international diplomacy and the risks facing diplomatic missions worldwide.
What he’s saying:
Stanislav Oranskiy, the Russian Consul General in Marseille, confirmed that the explosion occurred inside the consulate, noting that firefighters had quickly entered the building.
While no casualties have been reported, the incident is being scrutinized for having “all the hallmarks of a terrorist attack,” according to Russian state news and the Russian foreign ministry.
Key points:
- Two Molotov cocktails were thrown over the consulate’s walls, according to local police.
- The building is under lockdown while emergency crews and special forces secure the area.
- The attack comes on the 3rd anniversary of Russia’s attack on Ukraine and ahead of major diplomatic meetings to find a solution for putting an end to the Russian-Ukraine War.
Go deeper:
The consulate’s lockdown and the initiation of a criminal inquiry suggest that officials are treating the event as a potentially premeditated act of terrorism.
205
